Out of the wide variety of CBD products, few are as accessible and versatile as CBD oils. With CBD oil, you can enjoy all of CBD’s benefits and consume it in various ways. It is easy knowing how to choose CBD oil once you know what to look for.
The CBD market contains plenty of brands offering what they believe is the best CBD oil. Avoid the cheap stuff and let us help you choose the best CBD oil out there. Before you start your search, read on further to learn about CBD oil, how to choose the best brand, and more!
Table of Contents
What Are CBD Oil Products?
Oils are some of the most popular CBD products. CBD oil is a combination of hemp-derived and a carrier oil mixture.
There are nearly a hundred natural plant compounds in hemp plants called cannabinoids, including CBD. Consumable in various ways, most people consume CBD through edibles or apply it to their skin as a topical.
Add CBD oil drops to a glass of water, a morning cup of coffee, or your favorite cocktail. You can also add drops to your favorite dishes. CBD oil does not impact flavors since it has a subtle earthy taste.
People consume CBD products to experience some of the following effects.
- Eases Nervousness
- Enhances Mood
- Alleviates Physical Discomfort
- Soothes Joint Swelling
- Promotes Natural Sleep
- Balances Appetites
- Sparks Creativity
- Nourishes Skin
The rate at which CBD oil provides effects and how long those effects last depends on the ingestion method. When CBD oil is swallowed, either through an edible or drink, expect the effects within 45 to 60 minutes and last 6 to 8 hours.
When CBD oil is dropped directly under the tongue (sublingually), it typically takes just 15 to 30 minutes to feel the effects and can last four to six hours.
Is CBD Regulated?
Hemp-derived CBD became legal with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which made it legal for all hemp-derived CBD products that contain 0.3% or less THC to be grown, bought, and sold nationwide. However, CBD products with more than 0.3% THC are defined as marijuana, which is still illegal federally.
The passing of this bill allows for more regulations on CBD products. More regulations result in safer and better CBD. Here is a quick list of the following United States government agencies that regulate hemp farms and CBD products.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
One of the requirements for hemp farmers and CBD brands is that their plants must contain less than 0.3 % of THC. THC is more abundant in marijuana and is responsible for intoxicating effects that can leave consumers feeling “high.”
How to Choose Quality CBD Oil Products
The best CBD oil is out there, but choosing the right one requires the right amount of knowledge. Here are some of the factors to look at when trying to choose quality CBD oil products.
- Find out where and how your CBD got made: Check the product packaging label or company’s website for more information about where their hemp comes from and how they extract CBD.
- Is the list of ingredients available for review? Review the CBD oil product to see if it lists the ingredients used to make it. Examine the product to see if how much CBD and amounts of THC it has.
- What type of CBD extract did they use? Was it full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate? There are also different extraction methods to retrieve CBD from hemp flowers.
- How reputable is the brand offering CBD oil? Inspect the brand’s websites for any policies concerning returns and shipping. Read a couple of reviews to get an outsider’s perspective on the brand.
- Price: CBD oil brands seek to be successful by making profits. Look into the prices of different brands to come up with an average price. Just because something is low-priced does not mean the product itself will be high-quality.
- Purpose of Usage: Think about the issue you are experiencing that CBD oil may alleviate! Consult with your doctor if you have questions about taking CBD oil with other medication.
The CBD oil you end up choosing will ultimately end up in your body, so taking the time to find a top-quality product is worth the time.
Where Is the Hemp From?
The majority of CBD products sold in the United States come from American-grown hemp. There are some CBD-infused products made with imported hemp but always strive for locally sourced hemp.
Both Oregon and Colorado have hemp farms that supply hemp to plenty of different CBD brands. You can find hemp farms in other states as well; states governments work to license hemp farms, and some require them to pay fees.
The EPA oversees and enforces how pesticides get used for different products, including hemp used for CBD products. Some states also enforce their laws regarding the use of pesticides.
It is because of so much regulation that American-grown hemp is preferred over imported hemp. Hemp imported from foreign countries might not be subject to as much regulation. They can spray their hemp farms with harmful chemicals that contaminate the CBD products and potentially negatively affect consumers.
How Was It Made?
The purpose of extraction is to retrieve CBD and the other hundred or so cannabinoids and natural plant compounds like terpenes and flavonoids from hemp plants.
Here are the different extraction methods:
- CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Method: CO2 extraction process is the industry standard for CBD products since it is environmentally friendly. Using highly pressurized carbon dioxide, CBD, and other contents, endure an extraction process. This rigorous process helps maintain the purity of the extract without leaving any traces of solvent leftover.
- Ethanol Method: The ethanol method involves soaking hemp plants in either chilled or room temperature ethanol to draw out cannabinoids and terpenes. Then, chemists apply heat to evaporate the remaining residual solvent. This process creates a crude CBD oil that comes out more pure with further refinement and distillation.
- Hydrocarbon Method: Butane and propane methods have extracted plenty of CBD and other plants to create oils. These gases release onto an enclosed container holding the hemp plants. Professionals further refine the resulting product. Although, some brands sometimes do not separate the butane from the product, making CBD oil less pure.
Are There Recent 3rd Party Lab Test Available?
When choosing the right CBD oil, make sure it has a Certificate of Analysis (COA). COAs are official document from an accredited third-party lab that shows the test results of a CBD product.
Third-party testing is essential for any CBD brand to make itself look more appealing and trustworthy to consumers. The FDA has not yet published guidelines on CBD products, so the best CBD oil brands seek third-party lab testing.
With third-party testing, CBD brands can ensure consumers that their products contain the legal amount of THC. The test results from a third-party lab also breakdown the percentage of cannabinoid content and potency of the CBD extract. If the CBD oil you purchase does not have a COA available, it is best to avoid that brand for one more transparent (like Hollyweed!).
What Carrier Oil Did They Use?
CBD extract on its own can be pretty potent, so it is important to combine it with a carrier oil so that the body can absorb it easier. Some CBD brands may utilize one of the following carrier oils to combine with their CBD extract.
- Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp oil comes from hemp seeds. Although it may not contain any CBD, this oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and omega fatty acids. Hemp seed oil has the highest nutritional value of all carrier oils and is considered a superfood ingredient!
- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil: MCT oil comes from coconuts, often called coconut oil.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is another carrier oil some brands might use in their CBD oil. It contains beneficial vitamins and has a slightly robust taste.
- Avocado oil: Plenty of CBD consumers seek avocado oil for its nutrients. It is thicker than other oils but is still absorbable by the body at fast rates.
What Is the Quality Of the Other Ingredients Included?
The best CBD oil comes stocked with organic, all-natural ingredients. Less is more. CBD oil made with CBD extract and carrier oil is preferable to CBD oils with added ingredients.
Some brands have CBD oils available in different flavors. It is best to seek CBD oils flavored with essential oils instead of artificial flavors and synthetic food coloring. Avoid CBD products that contain preservatives and GMOs.
Is It Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, or Isolate?
Full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate are all extracted from hemp plants, but there are a few differences between all three.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Full spectrum CBD contains the following compounds extracted from hemp:
- CBD
- Trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3%)
- Other cannabinoids
- Terpenes that provide hemp flowers with an aroma and taste
- Flavonoids
This type of CBD is also the most effective form of CBD because the presence of all the compounds creates a synergy called the “entourage effect.” When the entourage effect occurs, the compounds work together to boost the effectiveness of CBD.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad spectrum contains all of the above except THC-free, ideal for consumers who take drug tests for different reasons.
Both broad and full spectrum CBD is capable of producing the entourage effect. Though with broad spectrum, there is no THC. Without THC, the entourage effect is slightly less effective, but broad spectrum still packs a punch with all the other compounds in hemp. Folks sensitive to THC for any reason prefer broad spectrum products the most.
CBD Isolate
Isolates are pure (99%+) CBD and usually come as a tasteless white powder, making them less common in tincture form. CBD isolates are extremely versatile, as you can add it into your food, drinks, and even topicals. However, isolates do not come in oil form.
Is the CBD Brand Transparent?
Brand transparency is sometimes the deciding factor when it comes to finding the best CBD oil. There are a few ways to determine how transparent a brand is based on the following factors:
- Consumer Reviews: You can tell how popular a brand is by the number of reviews it has. Brands with positive reviews will usually show them off on their website.
- Return and Shipping Policies: A reputable brand will stand by its product and offer clear-to-read policies on returns and shipping.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): If a brand does not have this document available, don’t bother with their products.
- Product Knowledge: Aside from selling CBD oil, the top brands offer knowledge articles to address different questions and concerns from consumers.
- Customer Service: Brands can retain their customers by providing top-of-the-line customer service to address different questions or concerns. Great companies will provide money-back guarantees, free shipping, or even rewards programs that give the customer incentives to shop!
Where Can I Find Quality CBD Oil?
Hollyweed CBD has one of the best CBD oils one the fast-growing hemp market. Hollyweed meets — if not exceeds — all of the criteria mentioned on this list for what makes an excellent CBD brand!
Our CBD oil comes with all-natural hemp extract from hemp farms in Colorado. Hollyweed CBD oils contain hemp seed oil, which provides an extra kick in nutrients. Concocted with full-spectrum CBD and backed by a COA from a reputable third-party laboratory, you wouldn’t go wrong with this brand.
Final Thoughts – How to Choose CBD Oil
Knowing how to choose the right CBD oil is hard. But when it comes to finding a CBD brand that meets the requirements for CBD oils, the answer is simple — none compare to Hollyweed CBD. If you want to check out other CBD products, visit Hollyweed’s website!
